Claire Atherton
Payroll Manager | UK Statutory Compliance & Team Leadership
Trafford Distribution Services Ltd
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Payroll Manager position at Trafford Distribution Services Ltd. With extensive experience directing multi-frequency payroll operations, ensuring HMRC statutory compliance, and leading operational improvements across regional distribution networks, I welcome the opportunity to bring my hands-on leadership and technical expertise to your payroll function.
In my current position as Payroll Manager at Pennine Logistics Solutions Ltd, I direct end-to-end multi-frequency payroll processing for 1,400 monthly and weekly employees across five regional distribution hubs. My day-to-day remit includes overseeing statutory submissions to HMRC via Real Time Information, managing Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries, and supervising workplace pension auto-enrolment assessments and contribution reconciliations. Working closely with Human Resources and Finance teams, I regularly resolve complex statutory payments—such as SSP and SMP—alongside salary sacrifice schemes and deductions.
Beyond core operational oversight, I have proven capability in strengthening payroll systems and processes. During the Payroll Software Modernisation Project at Pennine Logistics Solutions Ltd, I led data migration and parallel run testing across a five-month implementation schedule while meeting all processing deadlines without disruption. This initiative standardised digital payroll workflows, successfully cutting manual timecard adjustments and payroll exceptions by 35%. Combined with my prior experience supervising payroll coordinators and managing gross-to-net clearing account reconciliations, I ensure robust audit readiness and rigorous financial controls.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my practical payroll management background, CIPP qualifications, and commitment to compliance can support Trafford Distribution Services Ltd. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Claire Atherton